The Story Of The Roman People: An Elementary History Of Rome

by Eva March Tappan

Format Paperback Subject Literary Collections

Genres: Historical

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2010

About the author

Eva March Tappan was a teacher and American author born in Blackstone, Massachusetts, the only child of Reverend Edmund March Tappan and Lucretia Logée. Eva graduated from Vassar College in 1875. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and an editor of the Vassar Miscellany. After leaving Vassar she began teaching at Wheaton College where she taught Latin and German from 1875 until 1880. From 1884–94 she was the Associate Principal at the Raymond Academy in Camden, New Jersey. She received graduate degrees in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Tappan was the head of the English department at the English High School at Worcester, Massachusetts. She began her literary career writing about famous characters in history and developed an interest in writing children books. Tappan never married.

Reviews

[Tri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have the 1938 illustrated edition of this book, and I thought it was a rather charming history of Rome, well until the last chapter but I’ll get to that.

I enjoyed the heavy focus of the early days, the kingdom, and the republic of Rome, which seems to be glossed over in favor of the empire in a lot of books. It was well written and easily accessible all at once, and pretty apparent that this was once a history textbook for schools.

I’m contrast, the empire itself was crammed into four chapters, which I found interestingly sparse in comparison to the discussion of the republic.

And naturally, the book was very pro-Christian. The last little bit had some nasty Islamophobia and anti Asian racism which was really unfortunate, but I guess a product of its time.

3.5 stars, rounded up

[Joseph Adelizzi, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this old book at a fundraising book fair. The version I acquired was printed in 1938, and it looks and smells and reads like an old book. Hard cover. Notes by an unknown previous owner scribbled in the margins. Fantastic. I couldn't help thinking had my dad been inclined to read this book back in 1938 - which he would not have been because he cares nothing for the history of Rome, nor does he enjoy reading - but if he did pick up this book in 1938 my dad would have been reading it when he was younger than my grandchildren. I know it's crazy, but I enjoyed basking in that little circle of life moment.

As for this book itself, it is a nice introduction to the history of Rome. I've read many books on ancient Rome, but I haven't read one for a couple years, and this little book was a nice refresher. Perhaps another book on ancient Rome or on a personality from ancient Roman history is in my not too distant future.

[Zara Chauvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So gorgeous! I got an old 1910’s version, complete with illustrations ❤️

Very succinct, nicely presented and honest history of the entire Roman Empire! From its mythic (Aeneid-y) start right through to its formal demise as an empire.

Obviously skips a LOT of details, as it must — but you get the vibe of each era and ruler!

Very cute, it seems to maybe be targeted at late primary school or early highschool children? Each chapter ends with prompted suggestions for written work like:
‘The Sabine women plan together to make peace.’
‘An hour in the Golden House.’
‘Marius recounts his adventures as a fugitive.’
‘An Athenian child describes the siege of Athens.’

*Final few pages were VERY unfortunate… (racist agains the ‘Huns’ and Muslims)… but otherwise whole rest of the book is cool.

[Maria Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to teach Roman history. Can supplement with additional stories about major characters during the time period.

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the 1912 Illustrated version of this book. Published in London by George G. Harrap & Company.